Irish Traditions – from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way

Depart U.S./ Arrive Dublin Airport

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, a private transfer will take you to our hotel, the Dylan Hotel in Dublin. We then join the group for a welcome drink and canapés in the evening, followed by dinner.

Dublin City Tour, Trinity College & Dublin Castle

A tour of Dublin is the perfect introduction to Ireland, as we discover several landmarks such as the old city wall, Temple Bar and the River Liffey, before visiting Chester Beatty’s library, described as the finest collection of manuscripts and books made by a private collector in the 20th century. The museum includes representative samples of the world’s heritage (artistic, religious and secular) from about 2700 BCE to the present century.

Our tour continues with Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. The college’s magnificent Old Library displays Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells. Written around 800 AD and celebrated for its lavish decoration, the manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin). Our ticket combines the ‘Trinity Trails Campus Tour’, a 45-minute guided walking tour with special access to the museum building, and the self-guided ‘Book of Kells Experience’ in the Old Library.

We also see Dublin Castle, with a history stretching back to the 13th century when it was constructed on the site of a Viking settlement. Originally developed as a medieval fortress upon King John of England’s orders, it served as the center of British rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Highlights include the elegant State Rooms, the Chapel Royal, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and the beautiful gardens.

 

Powerscourt Estate & Russborough House

The beautiful Powerscourt Gardens awaits, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Sugarloaf Mountain and boasting a wonderful blend of striking terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes and a wide variety of trees. Designed from 1731 onwards and stretching over 47 acres, the estate includes formal walled gardens, distinctive Italian and Japanese gardens and the Pepperpot Tower, modelled on a pepper pot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table!

Today’s other visit is glorious Russborough House. This magnificent Palladian mansion was built in the mid-18th century and has been home to many notable families of the aristocracy, evidenced by its remarkable collection of art and antiques. We explore lavish interiors, featuring ornate plasterwork and fine furnishings, and learn more about the history behind magnificent artwork on our guided tour. Our tour extends to the charming walled garden, which blooms with fragrant flowers, herbs and rare plants, and we also enjoy a lunch here.

Dunbrody Famine Ship, Waterford & Mount Congreve Gardens

Ireland’s history is brought to life today at the Dunbrody Famine Ship at New Ross. On our guided tour, we learn about the bravery of Irish people onboard an authentic replica of an 1840s emigrant boat, complete with costumed performers, insightful displays and details of their harrowing journey. After weeks spent dangerously crossing the Atlantic, the emigrants arrived in North America and made up a quarter of the population in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore by 1850.

Afterward, enjoy some free time in the city of Waterford to find lunch at your leisure or perhaps pay a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal to learn how the famous crystal is made. We continue to Mount Congreve Gardens, a horticultural masterpiece of rare and exotic plants that thrive thanks to the passion and dedication of Ambrose Congreve, who developed them over several decades. The gardens span over 70 acres, abundant with a diverse range of flora, including magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons. We are treated to a tour with the Estate Director, strolling through the meticulously maintained landscapes and taking in the vibrant colors and tranquil ambiance.

 

Kilkenny Castle & Rock of Cashel

Kilkenny Castle is a majestic fortress that has stood since the 12th century, surrounded by beautiful countryside. We explore the period rooms and learn more about the significant events witnessed here during our guided tour.

Lunch is served at a traditional Irish pub in Kilkenny before a guided tour at the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s top archaeological spots, set on a rocky outcrop. The prominent hill is dotted with a range of ancient fortifications, including a storied 12th-century round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and a 15th-century castle.

Cork & Titanic Exhibition Cobh

Spend some free time in Cork, soaking up the lively atmosphere, taking a leisurely walk along the River Lee or wandering the bustling streets lined with shops and cafés. You may like to explore the English Market, a historic indoor market where you can sample local delicacies and fresh produce, or there’s also the Crawford Art Gallery, an impressive collection of both contemporary and classical works.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before we head to the maritime town of Cobh. As the last port of call for the Titanic, the Titanic Experience here offers a unique insight into the lives of the passengers who boarded the ship from this location. Our guided tour takes us through the original departure point, and we learn, through interactive exhibits, about the ship’s journey and the stories of those who traveled on it.

Blarney Castle & Kinsale

We visit the medieval Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by a powerful Irish magnate and now one of the country’s most famous visitor attractions. Millions have flocked here to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence and never again be lost for words, but there is so much more to see, including the atmospheric dungeons, a poison garden and the lovely countryside views from the battlements.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure in Kinsale, a pretty harbor town in County Cork with brightly painted buildings lining its charming lanes, a rich maritime history and vibrant culinary scene. Known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, there are plenty of lovely restaurants and cafés, perfect for an Irish coffee, or you may wish to browse the boutique shops before strolling along the scenic waterfront.

Ring of Kerry

Our tour manager takes us on a scenic guided tour of the Ring of Kerry, journeying through an untouched landscape of tranquil lakes and rolling hills, passing through charming towns such as Killorglin, Waterville and Kenmare.

Killarney National Park & Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

We head to pretty Killarney, famed for its jaunting cars (horse-drawn carts) operated by the local jarvies that take visitors on guided tours of the town. We experience it for ourselves from Killarney to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Our next stop of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is set in 26 acres of unspoilt County Clare countryside. The most complete castle in Ireland and meticulously restored to reflect the grandeur of its past inhabitants, it’s fascinating to imagine how lords and ladies once lived in this 15th-century gem. Admire the extensive great hall, atmospheric dungeons and fairytale towers before heading to the Folk Park that surrounds the fortress, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Irish village life with traditional cottages, rural farmhouses, little shops and characters dressed in period costumes. We also enjoy lunch here.

Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Cruise

We catch the ferry from Doolin to the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inisheer. Known as Inis Oírr in Irish (pronounced Inish-Ear), this charming island is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches and beautiful landscapes, peppered with ancient stone forts and traditional cottages, where the Irish language is still widely spoken. We are treated to a pony and trap tour to take in the highlights of this delightful isle, the old-fashioned way. We also enjoy a leisurely cruise along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, enjoying the geological wonders from below, admiring the views of the Aran Islands and listening to the onboard commentary. Stretching for eight miles along County Clare’s Atlantic Coast and 214m at their highest, the cliffs offer stunning scenery and are home to one of the major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds in Ireland.

Limerick & Irish National Stud

We spend some free time in Limerick. As Ireland’s third largest city, there is plenty to discover, including a variety of cathedrals, traditional pubs, museums and art galleries such as the Hunt Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and remarkable artworks, ranging from pre-historic archaeological material to masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Renoir and Yeats. Later, we combine the world of horses with serene Japanese gardens with a visit to the Irish National Stud, en route to Dublin. We learn more about the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses on our guided tour and enjoy a tranquil stroll through the gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat with their meticulously maintained landscapes and beautiful water features. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at the hotel.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.